Nationalism is not the same as patriotism

Well folks, it is time to dust off the bookshelf and refresh your knowledge of “isms:” anarchism, communism, fascism, socialism, liberalism, conservatism, feminism, capitalism, patriotism, nationalism, globalism, and the list goes on.

I am sure that at some point in your life you have either been a part of, or have been accused of being an “ism.” You might have even lived in one.

If you embrace an “ism,” in many cases the English language makes you an “ist.”

In a very recent political rally, the leader of the free world became an “ist”: “You know, they have a word. It sort of became old-fashioned. It is called a nationalist.” And I say, ‘Really, we’re not supposed to use that word?’ You know what I am? President Donald Trump said, “I’m a nationalist … Use that word.”

It is important to note that the suffix “ism” indicates a specific system, practice or philosophy. So therefore a nationalist embraces nationalism.

Nationalism implies a cultural background, a principal language and a “national” heritage. So following that definition Trump defines himself as someone who beliefs in the unification of a nation based on cultural and linguistic equanimity. It is all about winning on those terms.

Take for example another “ism.” Patriotism is not just about standing and loudly singing the national anthem. It is about the love of nation and country based on values and beliefs all bound up in democratic principles. These principles imbedded in the Constitution have to be legitimate to all groups. Race, religion, ethnicity, gender and cultural heritage do not matter.

What does matter is that these differences and principles form the connective tissue that have a place in a patriot’s shared goals and love for the same nation.

Can Trump’s heralding of “I am a nationalist” be called patriotism? His actions as the leader of the free world define the national interest in autocratic terms: reject globalization, emphasize skepticism of international institutions and treaties, show complete admiration for foreign despots, and incite tribalism and mob mentality towards immigrants.

I will defer the answer to a greater mind: Albert Einstein said, “Nationalism is an infantile disease. It is the measles of mankind.” Even under the guise of patriotism.

This story was originally published October 24, 2018 at 2:23 PM.